Over the border in Warwickshire, Bilton Grange Preparatory School, near Rugby, has had at least 25 confirmed cases and was closed for some days as a precaution.

Warwick School and Our Lady of the Angels in Nuneaton have also reportedly been affected.

Education bosses and health chiefs have all refused to comment on the record about affected schools, prompting a number of parents to complain to the Telegraph they feel they are being “kept in the dark”.

City health trust NHS Coventry expects the number of swine flu victims to rise rapidly in the coming months and has said patients may eventually be diagnosed by telephone or even over the internet.

Dr Caron Grainger, Coventry’s public health director, said: “While swine flu is still a relatively mild, though unpleasant, illness it is best for people who contract it to stay at home so that they do not spread their germs to others.

“That’s where a flu friend comes in – someone who will shop for food and other supplies, take letters to the post box, pick up medicines, such as anti-viral drugs, and so on.

“We know Coventry people have a great community spirit. I’m sure the city will pull together so that we all get through this in a calm way, with the minimum of disruption.”

Everyone is advised to have several flu friends – such as relatives, neighbours, friends or colleagues – in case one is unwell when needed.

People are also being urged to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours to make sure they have someone to call on if they fall ill.

NHS Coventry is now liaising with faith, community and voluntary-sector groups so they can support people in their area when swine flu strikes.